Jan Kopecky says he cannot wait for the next round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, Barum Czech Rally Zlin, to get underway at the end of August.
The Czech driver won the event in 2009 and was leading last season only to go off the road in the closing stages at the wheel of his SKODA Motorsport Fabia Super 2000. He is determined to make amends when the rally takes place from 26-28 August.
“It’s my home rally, I’m really excited and I want to win this rally,” said the 29-year-old. “The last two years we were quickest over there but [last year we] made quite a small mistake and we finished in the forest without any damage to the car.”
Kopecky, who will undertake a test in his homeland prior to the event, said he was expecting to enjoy a huge following from the local fans that traditionally descend on the rally in great number.
“All the Czech drivers will get great support, not just me but also Roman Kresta who is also driving a SKODA and will be very quick,” said Kopecky. “It’s a big and famous rally and I can’t wait.”
Kopecky has been runner-up in the IRC for the past two seasons. He is currently joint second in the title standings, 13 points behind team-mate Juho Hanninen.